Posts made in August 2021

Great Cocktails Start at the Beginning: Highclere Castle Gin

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Let this tale begin as it began—with ancestors and an email. In the middle is the promise of delicious refreshment. The conclusion of this tale is filled with cheers to moderation, responsible entrepreneurship, and a respect for the ways in which history enlightens and entertains.

Adam von Gootkin, CEO and co-founder of Highclere Castle Spirits, is a self-described Anglophile whose soul is steeped in history. If he could time travel, he’d choose to go to ancient Rome…with a hope to have a bit of gold in his pocket. But, in 2016, he went to Highclere Castle—via an email.

Having transitioned out of the music industry (he’d run a recording studio that ran away with his personal energy), von Gootkin capitalized on his known interests (brewing beer, vinifying wine, and distilling spirits) and his then-unknown ancestral tendencies. After several years of successful distilling, he learned the history of a speakeasy owned by his great-grandfather and a well-known distillery located in New England run by his ancestors in the 1800s.

So…what was it that inspired von Gootkin to write an email to Lord Carnarvon to inquire about partnering on a new spirit venture? Only ‘the universe’ knows for sure, but he did. The email arrived during office renovations, and Lady Carnarvon remembers that Lord Carnarvon, “came down, waving this piece of paper saying, ‘What do you see? I think I might get back to him.’ And this was Adam’s email. It’s amazing what happens from these extraordinary coincidental beginnings.”

Weeks later, Adam and his wife Regina were amazed to visit Highclere and surprised to enter into an amicable and genuine friendship that led to an extraordinary partnership.

Rare tobacco is another one of his interests, and that’s why (during the development of the gin) von Gootkin got in touch with his friend, cigar maker Nicholas Melillo of Foundation Cigar Company. The two came up with (after 25 iterations) a cigar created with Nicaraguan tobacco specifically for Highclere Castle’s brand. Cue an image of Winston Churchill showing up in your imagination with a signature cigar between two fingers of his right hand, even though von Gootkin believes, “there’s nothing more beautiful than a female smoking a cigar!”

Developing the gin was based on the genius that occurred when von Gootkin and the Carnarvon’s put their minds together to create—and perfect—a gin to represent the hospitality and entertainment that’s been practiced for generations at Highclere Castle. Like the cigar, after 25 iterations, the gin was born.

What’s different about Highclere Castle Gin? While it includes notes common to most gin products: juniper, citrus, and certain spices, Highclere Castle Gin is finished with the addition of oats, post-distillation. These oats have been farmed on the estate grounds for generations to support the thoroughbred horses raised there. The gin debuted in 2019 and has won over 31 international awards due to its elegant taste.

Elevating the moment,” says von Gootkin, and keeping the standards of elegance and beauty,” is the purpose of a refreshing cocktail. “We’ve liquified that with this gin.” When he’s celebrating happiness and enjoying elegance, von Gootkin enjoys Highclere Castle Gin on the rocks with a twist of orange peel and a sprig of rosemary. He also enjoys the way champagne parties in a glass with the gin in a cocktail known as the British 75.

In addition to garnering success as a ‘spiritual entrepreneur, von Gootkin is the author of Living Proof: Onyx Moonshine’s Journey to Revive the American Spirit. With a foreword written by coach Mike Ditka, and chapters titled, “Rock Bottom to Bottoms Up: Why Falling Behind is Key to Moving Forward,” and “Socially Conscious Commerce: How Your Business Can Make the World a Better Place,” his words distill both his and the wisdom of, his ancestors.

The history of Highclere Castle provided the story of “Downton Abbey,” as well as the space for the invention of a luxurious liquor to pair with good foods, great people, and harmonious surroundings (even if we must match our surroundings with others via screens). History entertains us by reminding us to balance darkness with light, evil with good, falsity with truth, and grief with joy.

In that balance is the wisdom of moderation.

Athletes for CARE Supports Mental Health in Professional Sport

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Olympians and Professional Athletes are setting new standards for personal care and well-being to protect their mental health, disrupting intense pressure and expectation

Athletes for CARE (“A4C” or the “Organization”) is a nonprofit organization working since 2017 with current and former athletes to address the long term impact of the mental and physical toll a career in sport takes on athletes. A4C advocates for the removal of stigmas surrounding mental health and personal well-being in sport, as well as for treatment options. A4C applauds and supports the challenging decisions made by Olympic athletes like Simone Biles and Naomi Osaka in the past weeks to protect their mental health and well-being. Their outspoken bravery sets a precedent encouraging others to reinforce that no athlete must suffer alone in silence on, or after leaving, the world stage.

A4C is committed to fostering resilience and support for mental health challenges faced by current and former professional athletes. To further this mission, the organization is proud to announce a collaboration with the Post-Game Players’ Lounge (“PPL” or the “Partner”), a program devoted to supporting retired athletes who are finding themselves, for the first time, in a world that isn’t solely dominated by participation in professional and team sport.

“PPL is excited to collaborate with A4C to help bring the mental health aspect of athletics to the forefront! While traditional sports psychology focuses on athletes’ success on the field, PPL is shifting their focus to helping athletes succeed off the field,” says Dr. Shannon McHugh, PsyD., co-founder of PPL.

“Athletes for CARE is committed to helping athletes find success in life after a career in sport,” said Anna Valent, Executive Director A4C. “We have worked for years on a one-on-one basis to address barriers to success and help athletes find support, opportunity and purpose in life after a career in sport. We are excited to work with the Post-Game Players’ Lounge to bring this program that focuses on mental health at no charge to any athlete from any sport.”

“A4C was there to support me through some dark times after my football career ended.” said Jamie Brown, A4C Athlete Ambassador and NFL Superbowl Champion. “I am excited that A4C and PPL are partnering to create a safe space where you can share anything in a group of people who understand how you are feeling. It helps connect the dots whether you are struggling with finances, or purpose or anything.”

The program, led by former athletes who are now mental health professionals, includes a 16-week program for athletes and will grow to include programs for spouses, partners and families of athletes. Athletes who complete the program will also be invited to participate in a leadership development program to continue their mental health journey. In addition to the weekly program, athletes needing additional support will receive individual care plans that will also be supported through A4C. Many athletes struggle with mental, physical, and financial health during and after a career in sport. It is difficult to navigate how and where to get help, especially when coming from a unique industry and usually without a transition plan or health insurance.

About Athletes for CARE

Athletes for CARE (A4C) is a nonprofit organization launched in 2017 by passionate retired professional athletes who recognized the need to advocate for the health, safety and wellness of more than 2 billion people of all ages who compete annually in sanctioned sports globally. Through that advocacy, we are improving health and wellness options for the billions of people around the world living with mental and physical illnesses including chronic pain, depression, anxiety, PTSD, CTE, TBI, substance abuse and opioid dependency.

About Post-Game Players Lounge

The Players’ Lounge was created with a collaboration between psychologists Dr. Shannon McHugh and Dr. Jesi Sasaki, B.J. Williams, the founder of Can I Be Vulnerable (an organization aimed toward reducing the stigma of mental health for black men and boys), and occupational therapist Dr. Madison Harris, who specializes in helping athletes with their retirement transition. Started as a safe space for former NFL players to come together and talk about their mental health and post-career journey, now turned into a program that all former athletes can access and benefit from as they transition out of their athletic career. PPL provides mental wellness tips and techniques to group members and collaborate with partnering neuropsychologists and occupational therapists to provide relatable information to help athletes develop a playbook for retirement that prioritizes their mental and physical wellness post-sport.

Monterey Car Week

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As luxury car aficionados convene on California’s Monterey Peninsula for the 70 gathering of Monterey Car Week, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars showcases two unique Bespoke commissions to celebrate the occasion. With a stunning display at ‘The Quail, A Motorsports Gathering,’ the world’s leading luxury brand highlights the latest member of the Rolls-Royce family, Ghost, alongside the sought-after Cullinan Black Badge.

Ghost, the latest iteration of the most successful product in the marque’s 117-year history, is shown this year in Monterey with a bold, colorful finish of Bespoke Friskee Pink. For the first time, this unique color adorns the pure and minimalist form provided by the ‘Post Opulent’ design of Ghost.

Complementing this lively color choice is a soothing Navy Blue and Arctic White leather interior that features highlights of a new Rolls-Royce leather hue, Shieda. This bright and bold magenta pink accentuates the long unbroken lines throughout the cabin, for which Ghost is known. Stitching details in Shieda are found on Ghost’s seats, headrests, and leather encased indicator stalks. Each elegant detail has been considered and thoughtfully placed.

Engineered around the dedicated Rolls-Royce Motor Cars Architecture of Luxury, Ghost features a combination of reductionist design and state of the art technology. Underneath the refined exterior, Ghost is the most technologically advanced Rolls-Royce yet. The new Planar software integrates a unique front upper wishbone damper, the Flagbearer suspension management system and the world’s most advanced Satellite Aided Transmission to deliver the most refined driving experience ever.

Alexa Villa – Call Me Crazy

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“Bubble Rockstress” Alexa Villa shares her bold new single “Call Me Crazy.” The infectiously catchy pop-rock track is an anthem for the outsiders and dreamers who choose to forge their own paths in life. Stream it HERE.

Villa shares, “I wrote this song about how it feels to always be on the outside. For a long time growing up I didn’t feel like I belonged to any certain group of people. This song is about embracing that and stepping into who you are. I was always the one with my head in the clouds and was always told I live in a fantasyland for having big dreams. I was the loud, wild one with crazy ideas and too much to say. This song for me was a way to overcome that and find my identity. It’s not crazy to dream.”

In support of the single, Villa will perform at El Cid in Los Angeles on August 16. “Call Me Crazy” will be featured on Villa’s upcoming Good Girl EP, which is planned for release in the coming months.

While her classmates were playing with Barbies, Los Angeles-based Bubble Rockstress Alexa Villa was playing on The Warped Tour. She has opened for acts including The Darkness, Ryan Cabrera, and Mark Ballas & BC Jean of Alexander Jean to name a few and has honed her craft as the sharp, yet charismatic artist she is today.

With influences ranging from Miley Cyrus, Yungblud, 5SOS, Willow Smith and Halsey to Led Zeppelin, Gwen Stefani and Alanis Morissette, the singer/songwriter/classically-trained pianist and producer empowers the listener to embrace their madness and be authentically imperfect, loud and abrupt. She also expresses individuality through fashion and works with various brands to further create her own world.

Kuttem Reese – Industry Music

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KUTTEM REESE GOES HARD ON NEW SINGLE INDUSTRY MUSIC

Riding high with millions of streams and widespread acclaim, Kuttem Reese’s breakout summer continues. The buzzing Orlando rapper unleashes his latest single Industry Music today. The song will be included in the upcoming Madden NFL 22 video game soundtrack album.

Listen to Industry Music —HERE.

On the track, trap keys pierce through hypnotic 808s as he launches into an intense flow. The momentum builds towards a bold, brash, and biting hook about the state of the game.

While everyone else might be making Industry Music, Kuttem Reese is making music for the culture…

Thus far, his 15-track debut mixtape, Kutt Dat Boy, has tallied north of 5 million total streams and counting. Inspiring tastemaker applause, XXL Magazine described him as polished and well-formed.

He initially bulldozed a path for the record with No Statements [feat. Lil Durk], which has clocked over 1.7 million Spotify streams. HotNewHipHop christened it extremely hard-hitting and went on to praise, Kuttem Reese offers up some dope energy that will make you want to get in the gym and get back on your grind. Meanwhile, Durk comes in with menacing bars that certainly help demonstrate the chemistry between himself and Reese.

About his come-up, HipHopDX praised, yet another artist from Florida is on their way to the big leagues, while the Super Bowl Champion Tampa Bay Buccaneers bumped his banger Madden to celebrate their NFC championship win earlier this year.

Kuttem Reese beat the toughest of odds in Orlando, FL by kinetically rapping nonstop. Born and raised in Orlando as the oldest of six kids, he grew up fast. Shortly after Reese’s eighth birthday, his mother went to prison for three years. He and his siblings moved in with his grandmother until mom returned home. Along the way, Reese developed a passion for music. One night, he picked up a microphone and rapped to a friend’s beat in a hotel room. He posted it on Instagram and continued to cut tracks. Following his debut My Story, he dropped a string of successful singles, including Rugrat and Boston Celtics. Within six months since that night in the hotel, he has already put serious numbers on the board with nearly 5 million cumulative YouTube views and 1 million-plus Soundcloud plays in addition to attracting acclaim from Elevator and more. In 2021, he throws down even harder with his debut mixtape for Republic Records.

Follow Kuttem Reese via Instagram, YouTube and Spotify.

Tracy Lawrence – Hindsight 2020

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Country music icon Tracy Lawrence is releasing the second album from his 30th anniversary project, Hindsight 2020 Volume 2: Price of Fame. This second installment of the reflective three-album anniversary collection celebrating Tracy’s thirty years in Country music, includes some classic hits along with all new music such as the title track “Price of Fame” featuring Eddie Montgomery and latest release “Holes in the Wall” with Tracy Byrd.

Listen: HERE.

“As I approached releasing 30 songs, celebrating my 30 years, it was natural to recreate some of the songs that were a major part of my journey and mix those up with new songs that have never been released,” says Lawrence of his Hindsight 2020 project. “Can’t wait for everyone to hear this next set of songs – some we’ve given a second life to and also, the new ones that I hope fans embrace the way they’ve done over these past 30 years.”

“‘Holes in the Wall’ is a song on that album that just sounded like it needed a fun collaboration,” continues Lawrence. “I thought, who better to have than my buddy, Tracy Byrd!”

About Tracy Lawrence

Tracy Lawrence is one of country music’s truest traditionalists and this year he is celebrating his 30th anniversary in the Country Music industry. His impressive catalog of timeless music has made Lawrence a mainstay in the genre selling more than Thirteen million albums and charting eighteen No. 1 songs. He has garnered numerous CMA and ACM awards and nominations, as well as a Grammy nomination. Commemorating his three-decade career in 2021, Lawrence is releasing three new albums which include all new music along with some of his favorite career hits.

In addition to his chart-topping success, Lawrence hosts the Award-Nominated nationally syndicated radio show “Honky Tonkin’ With Tracy Lawrence,” for which he has received two ACM nominations for National On-Air Personality of the Year. The show features music from the 80’s, 90’s and 2000’s and is heard on more than 115 affiliates. Tracy is also the co-creator of Storming Heaven: The Musical, a production based on the novel Storming Heaven. Tracy, along with others, helped to develop the storyline of the musical and also composed songs for the drama. He was honored by the Nashville chapter of AFP (Association of Fundraising Professionals) with “Philanthropist of The Year” for his nationally recognized annual Mission:Possible Turkey Fry and Concert, which has raised over Half a Million Dollars for the homeless and hungry in Dallas, Louisville and Nashville, and served more than 84,000 meals. Mission:Possible is poised to make an even larger impact in the future, as the 501 (C) (3) organization expands into more markets across the country.

Coda Soundtrack

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**REPUBLIC RECORDS RELEASES CODA SOUNDTRACK FROM THE APPLE ORIGINAL FILM TODAY**

FEATURES DUET OF MARVIN GAYE & TAMMI TERRELL’S YOU’RE ALL I NEED TO GET BY PERFORMED BY LEAD ACTRESS EMILIA JONES & CO-STAR FERDIA WALSH-PEELO

Watch the lyric video for You’re All I Need To Get By (Duet Version) HERE

Republic Records releases the CODA Soundtrack from the Apple Original Film, timed to the arrival of the highly-anticipated film in select theaters and on Apple TV+, today. Highlighting CODA’s extraordinary and heartfelt musical performances by lead actress, Emilia Jones (Lock & Key, Doctor Who), the soundtrack features a duet of Marvin Gaye & Tammi Terrell’s classic You’re All I Need To Get By by Emilia Jones & co-star Ferdia Walsh-Peelo (Sing Street, Vikings).

Listen to the CODA Soundtrack from the Apple Original Film — HERE and watch the lyric video for You’re All I Need To Get By (Duet Version) — HERE.

The soundtrack showcases numerous Emilia Jones performances including original song Beyond The Shore and duets with co-star Ferdia Walsh-Peelo covering classic hits such as It’s Your Thing by The Isley Brothers, I Got The Music In Me by The Kiki Dee Band, Starman by David Bowie, and more. It also features timeless tracks, Something’s Got A Hold On Me by Etta James and I Fought The Law by The Clash. And, rounding out the eighteen song track list are score selections by composer Marius De Vries [Romeo + Juliet, Sucker Punch].

Apple Original Film CODA made its world premiere at the 2021 Sundance Film Festival where it won the U.S. Grand Jury Prize, U.S. Dramatic Audience Award, and a Special Jury Ensemble Cast Award. Director and writer Sian Heder also received Best Director in the U.S. Dramatic Section. In CODA, seventeen-year-old Ruby (Emilia Jones) is the sole hearing member of a deaf family—a CODA, child of deaf adults. Her life revolves around acting as interpreter for her parents (Marlee Matlin, Troy Kotsur) and working on the family’s struggling fishing boat every day before school with her father and older brother (Daniel Durant). But when Ruby joins her high school’s choir club, she discovers a gift for singing and soon finds herself drawn to her duet partner Miles (Ferdia Walsh-Peelo). Encouraged by her enthusiastic, tough-love choirmaster (Eugenio Derbez) to apply to a prestigious music school, Ruby finds herself torn between the obligations she feels to her family and the pursuit of her own dreams.

The film is playing in select theaters and streaming on Apple TV+ now. Watch the trailer for CODA HERE.

Tracklisting

Something’s Got a Hold On Me – Etta James
One Thing I Know How To Do – Marius de Vries
It’s Your Thing – Emilia Jones, Ferdia Walsh-Peelo, CODA Choir
You’re All I Need To Get By – Marvin Gaye & Tammi Terrell
I Fought The Law – The Clash
Mr. V’s Sonata – Marius de Vries
The Observer – Marius de Vries
Walk in the Woods / Belly Flop – Marius de Vries
The Log – Marius de Vries
Do You Ever Wish I Was Deaf? – Marius de Vries
I’ve Got the Music In Me – Emilia Jones, Ferdia Walsh-Peelo, CODA Choir
Starman – Emilia Jones, Ferdia Walsh-Peelo, CODA Choir
You’re All I Need To Get By (Duet Version) – Emilia Jones & Ferdia Walsh-Peelo
Going To Boston – Marius de Vries
Both Sides Now – Emilia Jones
Wait Wait Stop Stop – Marius de Vries
Beyond The Shore – Emilia Jones
Ruby’s Theme – Marius de Vries

Top Hotels in Shanghai

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By: Emily Bunn

As global travels begins to reopens, the world looks finally leave the confines of their homes. For those who are especially adventurous and looking to take a once-in-a-lifetime voyage, consider Shanghai. Shanghai has a wealth of tourist attractions – like the – as well as delicious cuisine, a lively culture, and beautiful views. For those looking to visit, after your long flight across the world, relax into the clean, cushioned beds and enjoy amazing amenities as these top boutique hotels in Shanghai. All of these hotels are centrally located, so travelers can enjoy all that the city has to offer right outside the lobby.

Amanyangyun Shanghai
Looking for some zen, peaceful relaxation, and rejuvenation? Consider staying at Amanyangyun. This boutique hotel is quaintly nestled on the city skirts of Shanghai. Guests can stay in authentic Antique Ming and Qing Dynasty villas in contemporary, luxury suites. Outside of the hotel, the a rescued forest of camphor trees and shimmering lake are the perfect locations for photographs, relaxing outdoors, and appreciating ecological conservation. Enjoy the view on the hotel’s open air, pool side relaxation terrace.

The hotel feature amenities including a spa, fine dining, a sauna, cold plunge pool, jacuzzi, 20-meter heated indoor swimming pool, a 28.5-meter heated outdoor swimming pool, a hair and beauty salon, treatment rooms, relaxation lounges, tea rooms, a pilates and yoga studio, and more!